Russian officials and media propagandists are currently discussing the reasons for Russia’s defeat in Kharkiv Oblast, the Institute for the Study of War wrote in its last update. Originally, the Russian Defense Ministry explained the Russian defeat in Kharkiv Oblast similarly to the “gesture of goodwill” of its withdrawal from Snake Island, or to the decision to prioritize the “liberation” of Donbas following its defeat around Kyiv. However, the ISW writes that this time, this false narrative was met with significant online criticism. The U.S. think tank also said “Kremlin sources are now working to clear Putin of any responsibility for the defeat” and are trying to put the blame on “underinformed military advisors within Putin’s circle.”
Most Popular
Hungarian, Romanian oil refineries tied to Russia hit by blasts
Ukraine strikes Russian chemical plant with Storm Shadow missiles, military says
Why does Russia want Donbas? 6 things to know about the region Ukraine is being pressured to give up
For the first time, Russia reportedly sends oil shipment to Georgia's new refinery
Ukraine war latest: SBU destroys 2 Russian drone-hunting aircraft, releases video
News Feed Show More
Thursday, October 23
A series of explosions were reported overnight on Oct. 23 in the Russian city of Ryazan, with local residents suggesting a drone strike may have targeted the Ryazan Oil Refinery, one of Russia’s key fuel infrastructure facilities.
President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to brief EU leaders on the humanitarian needs of Ukrainians amid intensified Russian strikes and ongoing efforts to achieve peace.
(Updated: )
Intercepted calls released by Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) suggest a Russian commander ordering his soldiers to shoot civilians near the embattled city of Pokrovsk.
(Updated: )
A Russian drone attack injured four in Kyiv, damaged buildings, and set fires throughout the city late on Oct. 22
(Updated: )
Russia attacked Kharkiv with drones on Oct. 22, damaging a kindergarten and killing one person, injuring at least six, local authorities reported.
Thursday, October 23
(Updated: )
Explosions were reported near a military base just outside the southern Russian city of Stavropol late on Oct. 22, and additional explosions allegedly rocked an ammunition plant in the central city of Kopeysk, local media reported.
(Updated: )
"Now is the time to stop the killing and for an immediate ceasefire," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. "Given President Putin’s refusal to end this senseless war, Treasury is sanctioning Russia’s two largest oil companies that fund the Kremlin’s war machine."
"I hope your brave compatriot, Major Magyar, finally succeeds in knocking out the oil pipeline that feeds Putin's war machine and you get your oil via Croatia," Sikorski told Szijjarto on X.
(Updated: )
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Zelensky are meeting in the city of Linkoping, home to the defense company Saab, which produces Gripen fighter jets and other arms.
In a video, the SBU revealed two versions of the new drones.
Former U.S. Ambassador Steven Pifer discusses recent U-turn in U.S. President Trump’s policy on Ukraine following a phone call with Putin. Pifer says that Trump can still end Russia’s war if he starts using leverage on Moscow but argues that, regardless, Ukraine and Europe should assume they will have to manage the conflict without U.S. support.
Editors' Picks
Why does Russia want Donbas? 6 things to know about the region Ukraine is being pressured to give up
EU mulls hitting Russia where it hurts — its shadow fleet
No, Russian soldiers in Ukraine are not being forced to fight against their will
